8 Dead, 20 Injured As 2 Trains Collide In Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram. PM Modi Announces Ex Gratia

Andhra Pradesh News: The collision took place when the Palasa Passenger train struck the Rayagada Passenger from behind at Kankatapalli, leading to the derailment of three coaches.

A train collision occurred in Vizianagaram district on the Howrah-Chennai railway line on Sunday evening, resulting in a tragic loss of life and multiple injuries. At least eight individuals have lost their lives, and approximately 20 people have been injured in the incident, news agency PTI reported citing a police official. The collision took place when the Palasa Passenger train struck the Rayagada Passenger from behind at Kankatapalli, leading to the derailment of three coaches.

Officials from the East Coast Railway swiftly responded to the scene, with Divisional Railway Manager Saurabh Prasad overseeing the rescue operation. "The total number of casualties is eight, as of now, we have identified. We are in the process of examining all the coaches, and once that is completed, we will be able to determine the exact figures. Thirteen injured individuals have been transferred to the government primary health care centre. Some may have sustained minor injuries," he told PTI.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that all passengers have been shifted from the spot. "PM Modi has reviewed the situation. Spoke to the CM of Andhra Pradesh, state govt and railway teams are working in close coordination," he posted on X.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) also informed about the conversation saying, "PM Narendra Modi spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate train derailment between Alamanda and Kantakapalle section. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected. The Prime Minister extends condolences to the bereaved families and prays that the injured recover soon."

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed his shock over the incident and directed officials to conduct rescue operations promptly. He emphasised the need to arrange an ample number of ambulances to transport the injured. Minister Botcha Satyanarayana also reached the accident site, overseeing rescue efforts, PTI reported.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister has instructed officials to make all necessary arrangements in nearby hospitals to ensure the injured individuals receive top-quality medical care. To facilitate an efficient response, CM Jagan Mohan Reddy has issued orders to coordinate efforts across various government departments, including health, police, and revenue.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Railway has issued helpline numbers in response to the incident

Dr. S Appala Naidu, Superintendent of the Government General Hospital In-Charge in Vizianagaram, confirmed that ambulances have been dispatched to the accident site. As of the current update, 20 injured individuals have been received, with three in serious condition, he said, as per PTI. Dr. Naidu added, "More ambulances are en route, and the number of injured persons may increase. We haven't received any bodies at the hospital thus far, although there are reports of passenger fatalities."

Andhra Pradesh Train Accident: Rayagada Passenger Train Might Have Overshot Signal

The East Coast Railway CPRO reported that the tragic incident occurred between Alamanda and Kantakapalli in the Vizianagaram-Kottavalasa Railway Section of the Waltair Division in the East Coast Railway Zone, at approximately 1900hrs. The trains involved were the 08532 Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger train and the 08504 Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger Special. The Rayagada passenger train had reportedly overshot a signal.

Rescue operations are in full swing, with DRM/Waltair and his team present at the site. Accident Relief Trains and other rescue equipment have been mobilised to aid the response efforts.

Expressing distress, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urged the Union government to "reevaluate and enhance train safety measures".

"My heart goes out to the families of the victims, and I wish a speedy recovery for the injured. With a significant number of Indians relying on railways for their commute, it's alarming to witness such incidents in quick succession. It's imperative for the union government and the railways to urgently reevaluate and enhance train safety measures, ensuring the trust and safety of passengers is upheld," he wrote on X.

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